Machine Operator – Apple Orchard

Turley Farms Limited; Rangitata Island; On-site; NZD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hands-on varied work

Career growth

New state-of-the-art orchard

Continuous improvement culture

Job summary

Turley Farms Limited is seeking a motivated Machine Operator to join our new Rockit apple orchard in Canterbury. You will work with the Orchard Manager operating a range of vehicles and machinery to support daily seasonal tasks.

Essential NZ working rights and proven experience driving tractors and/or forklifts are required, along with a current driver’s licence. First Aid and any additional licences are advantageous in this new, state‑of‑the‑art operation.

Qualifications

• NZ working rights required for employment.
• Experience driving tractors and/or operating forklifts essential.
• Current driver’s licence essential; F endorsement (forklift) and/or tractor licence advantageous.
• First Aid certification advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Operate a range of orchard machinery and vehicles.
• Drive tractors and operate attachments for mowing and rolling.
• Move bins and materials with forklifts around the orchard.
• Perform routine machinery checks and report faults promptly.
• Work safely around people, trees and infrastructure.

Skills

Physical fitness

Solid communication

NZ working rights

Job description

Turley Farms is seeking a motivated Machine Operator to join our new Rockit apple orchard!(Please note that NZ working rights and machinery/tractor operation experience are essential.)

What we offer

• Hands-on varied work across key seasonal activities
• Career growth in a modern, innovative orchard operation
• Be part of a newly developed, state-of-the-art Rockit apple orchard from day one
• Workplace committed to continuous improvement and efficiency.

About the role

Working with the Orchard Manager, our Machine Operator will operate a range of orchard machinery and vehicles to support daily operations across key seasonal activities.Your day-to-day duties could include but are not limited to:

• driving tractors and operating attachments for mowing and rolling
• operating forklifts to move bins, materials, and equipment around the orchard
• carrying out routine machinery checks, basic maintenance, and reporting faults promptly
• operating machinery safely around people, trees, and infrastructure.

What we're looking for

• Full NZ working rights essential
• Proven experience driving tractors and/or operating forklifts essential
• Current driver's licence essential; F endorsement (forklift) and/or tractor licence advantageous
• Physical fitness and solid communication skills
• Familiarity with high-density orchard systems advantageous
• Experience with Rockit or other premium apple varieties advantageous
• First Aid certificate advantageous.

About us

Operating under Turley Farms, we are a newly developed, state-of-the-art Rockit apple orchard, building a collaborative and innovative team from the ground up. We value initiative, encourage new ideas, and strive for continuous improvement across all aspects of our operation. If you're passionate about horticulture, machinery, and being part of something new and exciting, we'd love to hear from you!